Sheriff's Homicide Detective Mora Dies of COVID-19

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 5 years ago on

September 9, 2020

A veteran Fresno County Sheriff’s Office homicide detective died from COVID-19 complications on Monday, officials said.

“Jose was a workhorse. He was someone our Homicide Unit could always depend on to conduct a thorough investigation and get justice for the victim’s family.” — Homicide Sgt. Jon Alvarado

Jose Mora, 44, served 20 years in law enforcement. According to the sheriff’s office, in August, he and other detectives traveled out of state on for an investigation.

“Shortly after returning home, Mora felt ill. He was later admitted to a local hospital. Medical tests revealed he was positive for COVID-19. Mora spent the next several weeks hospitalized. Due to health complications, he later passed away,” a news release said.

A ‘Workhorse’ Detective

Mora started his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Firebaugh Police Department. He joined the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, working a variety of beats, including homicide for the last five years.

“Jose was a workhorse. He was someone our Homicide Unit could always depend on to conduct a thorough investigation and get justice for the victim’s family. His cheerful attitude and strong work ethic will be greatly missed at our department,” said Homicide Sgt. Jon Alvarado.

Because he contracted COVID-19 while working, Mora’s death is considered in the line of duty. It is the 13th line of duty death in the 164-year history of the department.

Mora is survived by his wife and four children, ages 17-27.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Hey PG&E Customers, Get Ready for New ‘Transaction Fees’

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Ending ‘Squaw Valley’ Fight After Latest Court Ruling

DON'T MISS

Exclusive: Tesla to Delay US Launch of Affordable EV, a Lower-Cost Model Y, Sources Say

DON'T MISS

Clovis Reconsiders Recycling Vote. Will a Campaign Contribution Matter?

DON'T MISS

Gov. Newsom Offers $50K Reward in 2022 Kings County Homicide

DON'T MISS

Trump’s White House Launches COVID Website That Criticizes WHO, Fauci and Biden

DON'T MISS

Fresno ‘Powers Up’ the Nation’s Largest Combined Solar and Battery Storage Project

DON'T MISS

Trump Admin Asserts COVID-19 Originated in Chinese Lab, Targets Fauci

DON'T MISS

Vendors Back at Fresno’s Art Hop? Survey Wants to Know What You Think

DON'T MISS

Russian Missile Attack Kills One, Wounds 112 in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Officials Say

UP NEXT

Gov. Newsom Offers $50K Reward in 2022 Kings County Homicide

UP NEXT

Fresno ‘Powers Up’ the Nation’s Largest Combined Solar and Battery Storage Project

UP NEXT

Trump Admin Asserts COVID-19 Originated in Chinese Lab, Targets Fauci

UP NEXT

Vendors Back at Fresno’s Art Hop? Survey Wants to Know What You Think

UP NEXT

Habit Burger & Grill Quietly Drops Impossible Burger From Menu

UP NEXT

What Happens After a Homeless Person Is Arrested for Camping? Often, Not Much

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Tien Hoang Nguyen

UP NEXT

Free Skateboard Event Brings Pro Legends, Family Fun to Fresno on Saturday

UP NEXT

Jane Fonda Packs the Saroyan Theatre, Delivers an Empowering Message

UP NEXT

2 Killed and 5 Hurt in Florida State University Shooting; Gunman in Custody

David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email